Quantum Computers Claim Milestone Yet Face Classical Rivalry

Burnaby, Canada — A team of researchers at D-Wave Quantum Inc. has reportedly achieved a significant milestone in quantum computing. Using a quantum annealing processor, they solved a complex real-world problem in just minutes, according to a study published in the journal Science on March 12.

The problem they tackled involved simulating quantum dynamics through arrays of magnetized disordered materials known as spin glasses, which are relevant in materials science for designing new metals. The researchers claim that running the entire computation on a classical supercomputer would consume more energy than the entire planet uses in a year.

“This is a simulation of magnetic materials,” said Mohammad Amin, chief scientist at D-Wave. “Magnetic materials are very important in industry and daily life,” appearing in devices such as smartphones and specialized medical sensors.

The quantum annealing processor utilized by D-Wave differs from typical quantum processors by coupling qubits to multiple other qubits, thereby enhancing their ability to solve specific types of problems. This development follows a decade of advancements in the field of quantum computing, which now finds itself engaged in a heated rivalry with classical computing technologies aimed at improving supercomputer efficiency.

Andrew King, a quantum computer scientist at D-Wave, highlighted the significance of their results, stating, “We’ve demonstrated quantum supremacy for the first time on an actual problem of real interest.”

However, the claims from D-Wave have drawn scrutiny. Researchers from the Flatiron Institute in New York City, led by quantum computer scientist Joseph Tindall, have also simulated parts of the same problem using a classical approach. They utilized a 40-year-old algorithm called belief propagation, often used in artificial intelligence, and contended that their method achieved more accurate results than D-Wave’s quantum computer for certain dimensions.

“For the spin glass problem at hand, our classical approach demonstrably outperforms other reported methods,” Tindall and his team wrote in a draft submitted to arXiv.org on March 7. While their study has not been peer-reviewed, they assert that their results produce lower errors compared to the quantum method used by D-Wave.

The debate continues as each group maintains that their approach surpasses the other’s capabilities in particular scenarios. Notably, quantum computing achieved success in simulating infinite-dimensional systems, a task deemed elusive for classical models. “Simulating it classically would require a different approach altogether,” explained Daniel Lidar, director of the quantum computing center at the University of Southern California, who noted that D-Wave’s accomplishment was impressive.

As the competition between quantum and classical computing intensifies, both sides are striving to advance their technologies and validate their respective claims. The outcome of this technological rivalry remains uncertain, as researchers seek to explore untapped potential in both domains.